Bassist Rik Fox returns to Decibel Geek this week for Albums Unleashed – Steeler. Fronted by vocalist Ron Keel, Steeler had migrated west from Nashville. Upon his arrival, Keel would realize he needed new players to compete with a burgeoning Sunset Strip scene that included rising stars such as Motley Crue and Quiet Riot. In this long form discussion, Rik shares his memories of auditioning for Steeler, his meeting with drummer Mark Edwards, and the circumstances that would lead to Swedish hotshot guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen joining the band. Upon his arrival, Malmsteen certainly made his presence felt. In this discussion, Rik shares some entertaining stories of the eccentric shredder including a very tense moment in rehearsal between Malmsteen and Keel.

Albums Unleashed – Steeler

Also in this discussion, Fox shares his personal feelings of the recording process of the Steeler album as well as memories of particular shows on the Sunset Strip. Steeler was a very well-known band in the Hollywood area and would pack clubs regularly. In this long-form talk, Rik recalls a show opening up for Quiet Riot that took place as the Metal Health album was taking off.

As the bassist of Steeler, Rik Fox was a member of one of the most pivotal bands in L.A heavy metal history. Steeler, while a popular act of the era that had great songs, did not seem to have the all-for-one-and-one-for-all type of relationship that many other bands had. According to Fox, tensions mounted as the band’s popularity began to rise. Issues with Malmsteen‘s critique of the material and songwriting led to growing tension between the guitarist and Keel. In this discussion, Rik also shares his memories of the end of his version of Steeler including how he was let go from the band.